Best Work Backpack Finalists:
Fourth Annual Carry Awards

The time has come. Our minions are finished tallying the masses of first round votes. Our team of carry-savvy contributors have researched, passionately deliberated, fondled samples and deliberated again. And we’ve risen to the surface, with a glorious fist pump, to showcase the best-of-the-best. The 10 office-focused packs that nail our Carryology criteria.

These are beautiful. Classic. Well made. Commute ready. And flex beyond the office walls.

Log your vote at the bottom of the page!

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Teranishi Hinge

It’s a little naive in form. It’s fairly basic in layout. And yet the charm hits you like a truck. The Hinge, with its hinge-like opening for easy access, strips away features and sections in favor of a charming form with just enough daypack functionality. Careful construction is emphasized through beautiful waxed canvas and vegetable-tanned leather, creating a classy piece that can glide between work and play when you need it to. Inside you’ll find a laptop sleeve that fits up to a 13” device, while contoured shoulder straps and a padded back panel keep things comfortable on the move.

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The North Face Access Pack

A really ambitious pack, and we dig that, the Access attempts to redefine speed of access in almost every dimension. Sprung openings, pull-tabs and several fast access design features all try to rethink how a work bag might work. And its exoskeletal structure also protects precious tech devices, a welcome shield when your commute throws down the gauntlet of bumps, jostles and scrapes.

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RYU Locker Pack LUX

Labelling RYU as ‘Arc’teryx for the gym’ would be under-selling their early achievements. Despite the obvious DNA of former bird employees, RYU are working hard to redefine formats and approaches, including with the Locker backpack. A novel drop-front opening allows for great access and doubles as a portable locker, perfect for flying by the gym. Minimalist patterning creates visual interest. And a great mix of fabrics adds some suave office appeal.

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Descente ALLTERRAIN x Porter Daypack

 This pack really defines what Japanese carry is all about. If you haven’t seen Descente’s ALLTERRAIN collection, it’s a strikingly minimalist range of technical apparel and skiwear. When they got jamming with Porter on carry items, the two brands created more than the sum of the parts. In the flesh, this pack is a piece of art and darn well rocked our world. A prime example of pared-back carry goodness. Fusing form and function, the daypack features a chicly clean design with a water-resistant zip on the main compartment, a dedicated padded laptop pocket, plus a mix of pockets for organising your EDC.

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Mystery Ranch Urban Assault

Mystery Ranch stayed core for years, limiting their range to bags for life threatening situations. Thankfully they’re now relaxing that focus a little, starting to shape carry for simpler everyday carry needs. The Urban Assault strips the PALS webbing, external pocketing and Futura suspension for a cleaner and simpler urban pack that just feels way more appropriate indoors, without compromising much outdoors. Safe to say, it’s a versatile offering. 

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KILLSPENCER Rucksack

The Rucksack continues Killspencer’s broadening away from the masculine aesthetic that once dominated their range. The softer curves and playful opening create an approachable bag that can handle both work and play duties, without ever feeling flimsy or compromised. This is urban styling at its best, available in 4 killer colorways, and among the few in the list that are really nailing unisex with aplomb. 

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Incase Reform

The Reform brings new patterning to a classic work and study formula. An impact-absoring laptop sleeve, a duo of side pockets, and a good sized main section makes this contender a favorite for those keen to nestle their tech. The patterning feels fresh, the padded laptop sleeve is bulletproof (not literally, but almost), and those side pockets work great while on commute.

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Aer Fit Pack

Aer are nailing it. Simple, affordable packs that move between work and play with ease. The Fit Pack is good enough to have already influenced larger brand releases like the Apexknit Dayton. It merges trusty gym hauler and sleek urban backpack, resulting in separate storage space for workout gear and work tools. A range of pockets keep your office gear neat and tidy, and the front compartment provides quick access to your gym clothes. There’s even a dedicated compartment for shoes or dirty clothes, making this a hard-working all-rounder that fits easily into your life.

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Tailfeather Treekeeper

Available in a roll-top or flap version, the Treekeeper keeps up the Tailfeather tradition of timeless design without stuffyness or conservatism. Great proportions, excellent materials, and enough pocketing and personality to make you smile. There’s no fuss with the Treepcreeper; just a functional and easy-to-use backpack that goes the distance for your daily commute and still brings the style for relaxing with an after-work drink.  A hard-wearing partnership of canvas and top grain leather means this pack is ready to work just as hard as you do, and the slim profile is great for crowded spaces.

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Teranishi Venture LT

One of our most emotionally engaging styles gets updated; fixing those small friction points we had with the original. If this pack doesn’t capture your heart, we’re not sure what will. The Venture LT cuts the weight while boosting access with a full-length side zip. The roll-top design gives you the flexibility to squeeze in a little extra when needed, while quick-access front and side pockets let you get to the likes of keys, a water bottle, phone or wallet in a jiffy. Casually suave aesthetics and a sleek profile in black Gridwax waxed ripstop canvas or tan waxed canvas ensures this pack will draw admiring glances wherever work takes you.

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Vote now!

(closes 1st April)